Have you ever considered what would’ve happened if Paul and Silas had fled with all the other prisoners when the prison was shaken? Because they stayed (i.e., “went the second mile”), God was able to save the prison guard and his entire household! Going the second mile creates an opportunity for God to meet a need in the life of our enemies.
As you reflect on this command, it is key to understand that God desires to use us as channels to minister His life to our enemies. How amazing it is that as we lay our lives down to the Lord, He is able to replace our attitudes of selfishness and self-protection with the life of His Son! Only through Him is it possible to overcome evil with good.